In 2013, the Marler Clark attorneys filed 55 lawsuits against Townsend Farms, the company whose Organic Anti-oxidant Blend of frozen berries and pomegranate seeds were identified as the source of a hepatitis A outbreak among residents of 9 states.
The law firm also filed 9 class action lawsuits on behalf of all individuals who had to receive vaccination against hepatitis A to prevent infection or who received testing to determine whether they were infected with hepatitis A.
In a June 4 announcement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that The Townsend Farms Organic Anti-oxidant Blend was sold at Costco stores between late February, 2013 and May, 2013. Costco Wholesale notified its members who purchased the frozen berry products of their potential exposure to hepatitis A. The Oregonian reported that Townsend Farms recalled its product sold at both Costco Wholesale stores and at Harris Teeter stores.
At least 165 people became ill with hepatitis A infections connected to the frozen berry mix. It was reported that 71 individuals were hospitalized.
The CDC stated on its website that The Townsend Farms Organic Anti-oxidant Blend frozen berry mix associated with illness contained pomegranate seeds and other produce from the U.S., Argentina, Chile, and Turkey.
“Consumers of frozen berries should not have to worry about their safety,” said William Marler. “My clients and others who ate the Townsend Farms product deserve more.”
All illness claims and class action cases have been resolved.